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Dancing SambaThe samba originated in Rio, Brazil, and it's widely known as a party dance that is performed at every major carnival around the world. It is characterized by bounce and lots of hip movement. To accomplish the bounce, simply bend your knees as you dance, and be sure to stay on the balls of your feet. The basic samba is made up of three steps. Cross your right foot directly behind your left, keeping your weight back. Next step on your left in front, keeping your weight forward. Then keeping the right foot in the back, step on it once again, moving it slightly forward. All three steps should be small. To keep time, use a quick one-two-three count. Repeat all three steps again and again, alternating sides, and you are doing a samba. See resources for an example. -
Cha-chaThe cha-cha is a derivative of the rumba and mambo dances of Cuba. Like these dances, the hips should move side to side, an action achieved by the bending and straightening of the knees. The dance should be kept light and bubbly with quick steps. The basic cha-cha is made up of five steps, a triple step and two rock steps, or a "slow, slow, quick, quick, quick," which is often counted "one, two, cha, cha, cha" and performed in all directions. Simply be sure to alternate feet, never stepping twice in a row on the same foot. Try the cha-cha's infamous "New Yorker" move by stepping across your partner and then changing direction while maintaining the rhythmic steps. - Cuban musician Perez Prado is said to have invented the mambo at the La Tropicana Club in Havana Cuba, circa 1943. The dance is incredibly free and passionate, yet difficult because of the unusual rhythm in which you hold count one, and step on the two. To dance the mambo, begin with both feet together. Counting one-two-three-four, step forward on two with you right foot. Step in place with your left on three, and back on your right, count four. Hold count one, step with your left foot back on two, in place with right count three, and step forward with the left count four. Sway your hips from side to side as you step. For an example, see resources.
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Vintage Postcard - Merengue DancersKnown as the national dance of the Dominican Republic, the merengue is the easiest of the Latin dances, made up of only two steps. Although it is widely accepted that the dance is Dominican, the rest of the dance's origins is bit convoluted, making it difficult to separate fact from fiction. To dance the merengue, simply step one foot after the other, as if you were marching on the beat, while pushing the opposite hip out. See resources for examples.
